Background for photographs



(No Model.)

B. N. HOWE. BACKGROUND FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

No. 439,512. Patented Oct. 28, 1890.

qwii'weooeo fliz'orney.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDIVIN N. HOIVE, OF FOREST, OHIO.

BACKGROUND FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 439,512, dated October 28, 1890.

Application filed August 30, 1889. Serial No. 322,497. (No model.)

To all whmn it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWIN N. HOWE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Forest, in the county of Hardin, State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Backgrounds for Photographs, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements pertaining to photography; and it has for its object to provide a changeable background for employment in taking photographs. The novelty resides in the peculiar construction or formation of a band, which is preferably mounted upon rollers in aframe and so arranged as to be readily changed to alter the character of the background to conform to the wishes of the party whose picture is to be taken The accompanying drawings illustrate the preferable way of carrying out my invention.

In said drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of portions of my band. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same mounted upon rollers in a frame, with a means for operating the rollers to change the position of the band to alter the character of a background.

Referring to the drawings, A designates a frame composed of suitable uprights A, supported upon suitable bases or feet A and mounted in these uprights near the upper and lower ends thereof are suitable rollers or drums B, journaled upon suitable shafts B, provided with suitable crank-handles B by means of which the rollers may be revolved to change the position of the band C, which is connected with and wound upon said rollers. This band, which may be formed of any suitable material, is divided into sections, as shown in Fig. 1, each section being of a length substantially the same as that between the rollers. Each of these sections is formed to constitute a different background, as illustrated in Fig. 1, wherein section 1 shows a Rembrandt right light, section 2 left light Rembrandt, section 3 a graded bottom, section :h a graded top, 5 a perfect black, 0 a drab, 7 a clouded, and 8 a corner-shaded background, designed principally for profiles. These constitute the principal varieties of background; but others may be devised, as may be desired.

In practice, with the band arranged upon the rollers as, shown in Fig. 2, the preferred background may be readily presented by the revolution of the rollers to bring the desired section in view.

Although the roller-frameis preferred as a means of supporting the band and changing the background, it is evidentthat various other means might be devised for accomplishing this purpose, the gist of the invention residing in the formation of the background irrespective of this mode of support and manner of changing.

The band shown, with its different grounds, is designed for bust-portraits. For full size or other form of portrait the styles of background may be somewhat varied.

I am aware that it has been heretofore proposed to provide a variable changeable background for photographers use having differentscenes, with means for changing the scenes according to the taste of the party, and do not seek to claim, broadly, such construction. I have a background of lights and shades (not scenes) of contrasting colors to produce different varieties of backgrounds, giving different lights and shades.

I am also aware that a background consistin g of two disks adjustable in relation to each other has been devised, the same being designed to be revolved while the picture is being taken, and make no claim to such form of background. My background remains stationary while thepicture is being taken, but is movable to give a variety of backgrounds, according to the taste or wishes of the parties interested.

here in the following claims I refer to the band as having sections provided with grounds of uniform color I do not wish to be understood as restricting myself to such colors all being of one shade, as said color may be of varying shades, as illustrated in Fig. 1. I employ the term uniform to distinguish my background from one provided with scenes.

lVhat I claim as new is- 1. A background for photographers use, consisting of a band divided into sections, each section provided with a different shaded ground of practically uniform color, substantially as described.

2. The combination, with a band divided into sections, each section having a different ground of practically uniform color for pro- I0 ground of practically uniform color, of a sup-' 1 'ducing lights and shades substantially as deporting-frame and rollers upon Which said scribed.

band is wound in the direction of its length, In testimony whereof Iaflix my signature in as set forth. presence of two witnesses.

3. As an improved article of manufacture, EDWIN N. HOWE. a background for photographers use, consist- Witnesses: ing of a band divided into sections, each sec- D. L. STOCKTON,

tion being provided with a diflerently-blended HARRY E. STOCKTON. 

